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HiCap™ CO2
Sofnolime® Carbon Dioxide Large Absorber Cartridge.
The data provided is intended for general guidance and does not necessarily cover all the
operational aspects of the cartridges. Each individual case needs to be properly assessed for safe
operation by the facility managers.
Further advice and help in producing your own operational procedures for the safe deployment of
the large absorber cartridges is available on request from the manufacturer.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Molecular Products Limited
Mill End, Thaxted, Essex
CM6 2LT United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1371 830676
F +44 (0)1371 830998
E [email protected]
W www.molecularproducts.com
Page 1 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
HiCap CO2
™
Sofnolime® Carbon Dioxide Large Absorber Cartridge.
Important note
to operators
•
The cartridge is designed to remove carbon dioxide from
an enclosed environment as part of a life support system.
Consideration needs to be given to any oxygen supply
requirements.
• This unit is for professional use only and will therefore require
operators to be suitable trained.
A user manual is supplied, but it is the responsibility of the facility
operators to supply an operating procedure and training for the end
users appropriate for the intended location and conditions.
It is suggested that the supplied user manual should be used to form
the basis of the local operating procedure and basic training to the
end users. This procedure and training will be specific to a location
and depend on the end users requirements.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 2 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
HiCap CO2
™
Sofnolime® Carbon Dioxide Large Absorber Cartridge.
Introduction
The large scale absorber cartridges are available in two formats one for the removal and control of carbon dioxide
(CO2) and the other for the removal and control of the much more toxic carbon monoxide (CO). Both cartridges
use the same crate design to hold the active constituents and are the same physical size (Figure 1).The cartridges are
differentiated by labelling and require different operating conditions to produce the specified performance. The
cartridges are designed to seal against the base plate cut-out of fan driven air supply equipment.
Figure 1 – dimensions
Length (mm): Width (mm):
Height (mm): Total weight (kg): Base cut out (mm)
400
300
170
14
270 x 370
The performance and normal running conditions for each type of cartridge is described below. The carbon dioxide
cartridges are normally required to remove CO2 that is being continuously produced by people exhaling CO2 at a steady
rate for extended periods of time; hours or days. Whereas the carbon monoxide cartridges are normally required to
remove an initial high concentration of carbon monoxide to low levels as fast as is practical; usually within minutes.
Each cartridge is supplied in a sealed gas and water resistant barrier foil packaging to ensure the cartridges are
protected from contamination and remain active during storage.
Each cartridge is provided with a seal round the base which provides a gas tight seal when deformed by the weight of the
cartridge against a cut-out in a base unit designed to accommodate the cartridge.The size of the base cut-out needs to be
270 x 370 mm (+/- 1 mm).The air stream is normally passed up through the cartridge (base to top) but the cartridges will
operate with the flow reversed. However the flow should not be reversed during operation as this will reduce the
usable capacity.
It is important the procedures are in place to allow safe deployment of the cartridges before they are required. It is the
responsibility of the facility operators to ensure these procedures are adequate for the intended purpose and that
training is provided to all personnel who may need to use the cartridges before they are required to use them.
The descriptions assume the cartridges are deployed in an enclosed volume that allows free circulation and good mixing
of air to and from the cartridges.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 3 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
HiCap™ CO2 - Sofnolime® Carbon Dioxide Large Absorber Cartridge
This cartridge uses Sofnolime® as the absorbent which chemically reacts with the carbon dioxide to remove it from
the air stream.The carbon dioxide is chemically removed and cannot be regenerated from the cartridge.The cartridge
is designed to remove CO2 produced by respiration of personnel in an enclosed sealed space. The time each
cartridge will last depends on the gas flow rate through the cartridge, the volume of the enclosed space and the number
of people present - see Table 1 for operational performance. Multiple cartridges should be used simultaneously when
the enclosure volume or number of people require it. Each cartridge is designed to be incorporated into a fan driven,
purpose built ventilation system designed to run with a nominal airflow of 400 litres per minute gas flow through each
cartridge. Gas flows below 200 litres per minute will not damage the cartridges but will reduce the CO2 removal rate
substantially from the figures used in Table 1. Gas flow rates above 600 litres per minute will reduce the time that the
CO2 levels can be maintained at low levels and may reduce the effective CO2 removal capacity under normal operating
conditions.
The cartridges can be deployed immediately on sealing the refuge of space in which they operate or they can be deployed
when the CO2 level reaches a predefined level.There is usually not a great urgency to deploy the cartridges in the first
minutes as the CO2 level can safely be allowed to rise slightly (up to 1 -2 % CO2) without significant physiological effects
on the occupants of the space.
Sufficient cartridges need to be available to provide CO2 control to the required level for the specified duration that
the space will be occupied.
Operating instructions: carbon dioxide (CO2) removal
1. Remove outer foil barrier film (a safety blade is provided with each cartridge)
2. Check that the bases seal is in place and intact, then place the cartridge onto the base unit aperture
3. Warning - all the base (fan) unit apertures must have cartridges installed for correct operation - If the base unit
has more than one aperture ensure all the apertures are covered with installed cartridges – use an exhausted
cartridge if there are no fresh cartridges available
4. Start the airflow through the cartridge(s) – refer to the OEM base unit operating procedure
5. Exhausted cartridges should be removed and replaced with fresh cartridges once they are incapable of removing the
CO2 at the rate it is being produced
6. In a multi-aperture base unit, if the some cartridges are exhausted and fresh ones are not available the
exhausted cartridges should be left in place
7. Exhausted cartridges can be left in place – used HiCap™ CO2 cartridges will continue to remove CO2 for some time
after the specified performance but at much lower rates. Warning – the enclosure CO2 concentration will start to
increase once the CO2 removal rate falls below the production rate irrespective of the remaining capacity
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 4 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
Deployment (for carbon dioxide removal)
The number of cartridges required is determined primarily by the number of people present but also by the volume
of the enclosed sealed space.The number of people determines the required CO2 removal capacity and the volume of
the enclosed space determines the minimum required removal rate. The total CO2 removal rate needs to be greater
than the production rate or the CO2 level will continually increase.The deployed CO2 capacity will determine the time
interval that the cartridge(s) can run before they need to be changed for fresh cartridges. The CO2 production rate will
change with respiration rate or may be set by the relevant legislation.
Table 1 shows typical data for a range of operational conditions for people relaxed and exhaling an average of 0.24 l/
minute (14.4 l/hr) CO2. Table 2 shows the same data for a higher CO2 exhalation rate of 0.4 l/minute (24 l/hr) CO2.
The main body of the table (shaded in blue) shows the normal operating range. The red shaded areas show marginal
or non-recommended conditions.
Select the volume of the enclosure in the left column then select the column with the maximum number of people in the
top row.The intersection gives the minimum number of cartridges that should be used to provide an acceptable removal
rate.The value to the right of this gives the expected time the cartridge(s) will run between changes. More cartridges than
this minimum will maintain a lower CO2 concentration for a longer time interval.The time interval between changes will
depend on the number of people present and their activity level. The best way of operating the cartridges to ensure
maximum usable capacity is to monitor the CO2 level in the enclosed space and change the cartridges when the CO2
concentration reaches a predetermined level – typically 1 or 2 % CO2.
The supplementary information is provided to allow other conditions to be calculated if required.
Table 1 – typical data for a range of normal operating conditions – people at rest.
(Assumes: 0.24 l/min CO2 per person; 1,500 l/CO2 per cartridge; 400 l/min air flow rate per cartridge
and 1% max CO2 inlet concentration)
Volume No. of run time No. of run time No. of run time No. of run time No. cartridges of
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
for 1 air
enclosure 1 to 10
11 to 20
21 to 30
31 to 40
change per hour
min No. min No. min No. min No.
m3
cartridges
cartridges
cartridges
cartridges
10
1
10.42
1
5.21
1
3.47
1
2.60
0.42
20
1
10.42
1
5.21
1
3.47
1
2.60
0.83
30
2
20.83
2
10.42
2
6.94
2
5.21
1.25
40
2
20.83
2
10.42
2
6.94
2
5.21
1.67
50
3
31.25
3
15.63
3
10.42
3
7.81
2.08
60
3
31.25
3
15.63
3
10.42
3
7.81
2.50
70
4
41.67
4
20.83
4
13.89
4
10.42
2.92
80
4
41.67
4
20.83
4
13.89
4
10.42
3.33
90
4
41.67
4
20.83
4
13.89
4
10.42
3.75
100
5
52.08
5
26.04
5
17.36
5
13.02
4.17
40
Normal operating range
432
576
Marginal or non
recommended conditions
0.192
0.288
0.384
5.21
3.47
2.60
max no. of people
10
max CO2 l/hr
144
288
No. 0.096
cartridges
per hr
1 cartridge 10.42
lasts (hr)
HiCap
20
30
ref (1) Criteria for the
design of refuge stations
Drake, Fellow & Bates
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 5 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
Table 2 – typical data for a range of normal operating conditions people Entrapped (1).
(Assumes: 0.4 l/min CO2 per person; 1,500 l/CO2 per cartridge; 400 l/min air flow rate per cartridge
and 1% max CO2 inlet concentration)
Volume No. of run time No. of run time No. of run time No. of run time No. cartridges
of
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
people
(hr)
for 1 air
enclosure 1 to 10
11 to 20
21 to 30
31 to 40
change per hour
min No. min No. min No. min No.
m3
cartridges
cartridges
cartridges
cartridges
10
1
6.25
1
3.13
1
2.08
1
1.56
0.42
20
1
6.25
1
3.13
1
2.08
1
1.56
0.83
30
2
12.50
2
6.25
2
4.17
2
3.13
1.25
40
2
12.50
2
6.25
2
4.17
2
3.13
1.67
50
3
18.75
3
9.38
3
6.25
3
4.69
2.08
60
3
18.75
3
9.38
3
6.25
3
4.69
2.50
70
4
25.00
4
12.50
4
8.33
4
6.25
2.92
80
4
25.00
4
12.50
4
8.33
4
6.25
3.33
90
4
25.00
4
12.50
4
8.33
4
6.25
3.75
100
5
31.25
5
15.63
5
10.42
5
7.81
4.17
max no.
10
of people
max 240
CO2 l/hr
No. 0.16
cartridges
per hr
1 cartridge 6.25
lasts (hr)
HiCap
20
30
40
Normal operating range
480
720
960
Marginal or non
recommended conditions
0.32
0.48
0.64
3.13
2.08
1.56
ref (1) Criteria for the
design of refuge stations
Drake, Fellow & Bates
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 6 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
Effect of moisture
The Sofnolime® absorbent needs some water vapour to be present to work efficiently.The optimum required amount
of water is incorporated into the material as supplied. High humidity air flow through the cartridges will not harm
the cartridges and indeed will help maintain optimum performance providing liquid water is not allowed to enter the
cartridge. Adding extra liquid water to the cartridge will decrease the capacity by causing local flooding in the
absorber that prevents air flow. High air flow rates of very dry air passed through the cartridge for extended periods
of time can limit the CO2 removal rate towards the end of the use period if the cartridge becomes unduly desiccated.
Therefore it is recommended that when cartridges are used in very low humidity conditions (<50% RH) that the
operating procedures design takes the run time into account and limits the operating period of the individual cartridges
to less than about 15 to 20 hours i.e. change out times should be less than this. For volumes greater than 100m3 please
consult the manufacturer.
Storage, Maintenance and Condition checks
The cartridges do not require any maintenance in storage but do need to be stored in such a way that the barrier foil
packaging prevents moisture or contamination entering the cartridge.
• The cartridges need to be handled and stored under conditions that prevent damage to the barrier foil packaging
i.e. avoid sharp objects or pressure points puncturing the packaging.
• The cartridges should be stored between 0 – 35C°,out of direct sunlight and protected from wet conditions.The cartridges
will not work if the water, present in the material, is frozen.
• Each cartridge is marked with a label on the outside of the packaging that shows the original packed weight
of the cartridge.
The cartridges can loose moisture if the packaging is damaged therefore the weight change can be used as a measure
of the seal integrity and the condition of the cartridge.
• If the weight changes by more than the weight allowed shown on the label, then cartridge should be replaced.
• This weight change allowance assumes the weight change is due to water loss or contamination and indicates the
point at which the cartridge starts to work less efficiently than documented here.
The cartridges gain weight (approximately 1 kg) in normal use.
Residual risks:
The cartridges produce heat as the reaction of CO2 proceeds. This temperature can reach approximately 50°C at the
outlet. Consideration of this additional heat load should be incorporated into the design of the system in which it is
to be used. HiCapTM CO2 contains Sofnolime® which is an Irritant, a MSDS is available on request.
Disposal of used or time expired cartridges
The cartridges are constructed from polypropylene which can be recycled when emptied and cleaned. The fill can be
disposed of to land fill via a licensed waste disposal contractor. A material safety data sheet for the Sofnolime®
absorbent is available on request. Local legislation may apply to disposal or recycling. Advice on individual cases can
be sought from the manufacturer or your local supplier.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 7 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
Specification
Carbon dioxide capacity - greater than
Carbon dioxide capacity - greater than
Normal operating gas flow rate
Operational flow rates
Pressure drop per cartridge – not more than
Pressure variation between cartridges - not more than
Dimensions
Cartridge weight (as delivered)
Storage life
1,400 litres (@ 400 l/min to 0.5% CO2 at outlet)
1,500 litres (@ 400 l/min to 1% CO2 at outlet)
400 litre per minute per cartridge
200 to 600 litres per minute per cartridge
14 mm H2O gauge at 400 litres per minute flow
4 mm H2O gauge (provisional)
400 x 300 x 180 mm
14 kg
5 years (condition can be monitored by weight change)
Conditions of use and limit of liability – HiCap™ CO2 - Sofnolime® Filled Large Absorber Cartridge
The cartridges are designed to be used as part of a purpose built air purification system that can operate within the
documented design parameters. No liability or guarantee of performance can be accepted for cartridges operated
outside these conditions.
The performance is guaranteed only if the cartridges are used and stored within the declared operational limits set by
the manufacturer and documented in the user manual.
The cartridges are supplied in a sealed barrier foil bag. The seal must not be broken until the cartridge is required
for use as the cartridge can loose or gain water from the atmosphere that can reduce its CO2 removal performance.
The performance of cartridges that have been opened, but not used, for more than a few hours cannot be guaranteed
or predicted.
Cartridges with damage to the sealed packaging should not be used. The cartridges are supplied with a weight check
and weight tolerance label that allows the user to establish if the cartridges have remained sealed prior to use.The use
of cartridges that have failed this weight check requirement or that have damaged packaging cannot be guaranteed by
the manufacturer as the performance may be affected.
The way that the cartridges are used is the responsibility of the user and /or facility operator. It is strongly
recommended that the facility operator should carry out a risk assessment of the way in which the cartridge(s) are to
be used before they are deployed.
The cartridges comply with the essential safety requirements of the EU Mechanical Directive and are
labelled accordingly.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Page 8 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS
Appendix 1 – air recirculation equipment interface requirements
The cartridges are designed to seal against the base plate cut-out of fan driven air supply equipment.
This base plate cut-out design allows the cartridge’s base seal to provide a gas tight seal under the weight of the
cartridge. In order to achieve this, the base plate needs to be flat with a cut out of the correct size to allow the seal
to function.
The cartridges weigh circa. 15kg – 33lbs each so the base plate must be sufficiently stiff to support the weight and
prevent distortion of the base plate preventing the seal from working. It is recommended that the base plate should be
constructed from flat stainless steel sheet that is sufficiently thick, or stiffened, to prevent distortion in use. A turned
over edge is preferred to prevent sharp edges damaging the seals or the fingers of the operators. The recommended
dimensions are given below.
Base cut-out dimensions:
• Length 370 mm +/- 1 mm
• Width 270 mm +/- 1 mm
• Maximum radius of corners
8 mm (but can be any value less)
• Minimum recommended separation
between cartridges – 50 mm between
inside edges of cut-outs.
Baseplate details
270 +/- 1mm
Max radius
8mm
370 +/- 1mm
Cut-out
Cut-out
50mm
Unit
Seal
Baseplate
If the cartridges need to be secured in position the top edge of the base flange can be used to clamp against. Care should
be exercised to ensure the base seal is not distorted to the point it fails to seal if the cartridges are fastened or clamped
in position.The outside edge of the upper surface can be used to seal against if the cartridges are to be used in a fully
ducted system.
The provision of air flow through the cartridge is the responsibility of the equipment provider but it is advised that the
airflow should be blown from base to top up through the cartridges.The cartridges should not encounter reversed gas flow
during use as this will reduce the capacity of the cartridges. Please contact the manufacture if advice is required on
non-standard operating conditions. Cartridges must remain sealed until ready for use. Opened, unsealed cartridges left
on the base for extended periods of time may have significantly reduced performance. Only remove the barrier sealing
foil immediately before use.The foil barrier film is a strong material and a safety blade is provided with each cartridge.
The packaging cannot be torn fully open by hand.
HiCap
TM
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Absorber Cartridge
Contains Soda Lime
Instructions for use:
Disposal and the Environment:
Use in accordance with refuge Please dispose of responsibly complying
with local legislation.
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manufacturer:
Molecular Products Limited
Mill End, Thaxted, Essex
CM6 2LT United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1371 830676
F +44 (0)1371 830998
E [email protected]
W www.molecularproducts.com
Page 9 of 9
Version 4, 28/07/09 MCL, JS